Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking, medically known as somnambulism, is a disorder that is characterized by walking during sleep. Sleepwalking, although usually harmless, can prove to be dangerous to the individual at times. This disorder can range from simply getting out of the bed to even driving a car. Episodes of sleepwalking usually occur during deep sleep. During normal sleep, an individual's brain passes through five stages of sleep that makes one complete sleep cycle. One cycle takes around 90 to 100 minutes to complete. So, on an average, a person experiences four to five sleep cycles throughout the night.

Sleepwalking is a condition that occurs usually during the third or fourth stage of the sleep cycle. A person who is sleepwalking usually has his eyes wide open in a stare. A sleepwalking person often walks about the room and even tries to escape from the room.Such a person does not reply to any questions asked and forgets about the event on waking up. Sleepwalking may also be accompanied by conditions such as sleep apnea, bedwetting, and night terrors. Studies suggest that older children who sleepwalk may have been restless sleepers when they were under 5 years of age.

Researchers believe that sleepwalking patterns develop as a result of three factors: genetic, environmental, and physiological. Sleepwalking is known to occur in identical twins and is 10 times more likely to occur if a first-degree relative has a history of sleepwalking. Environmental factors such as sleep deprivation, erratic sleep schedules, fever, stress, alcohol intoxication, and magnesium deficiency can cause sleepwalking. Drugs that are used to treat psychosis promote sleep and calm down the nervous system. This may be causative in some cases. Physiological factors such as pregnancy and menstruation are also known to increase the incidences of this symptom.

Knowing that sleepwalking can be triggered by illnesses, lack of sleep or interrupted sleep, certain medications, and a stressful lifestyle, the condition should be treated using medications only if it is caused by an underlying medical condition like gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. Administering medicines makes sense only when there is a possibility of the person injuring himself or when repetitive episodes have led to excessive daytime sleepiness that is disrupting the individual's normal routine.

Prevention of sleepwalking by taking some precautionary measures is better than trying to treat the condition after it has developed. The focus must be on sleeping soundly and adequately. Exercising regularly is advisable physically as well as mentally so as to lead to a reasonable amount of fatigue, just right to induce sleep. Meditative techniques can help to de-stress and relax the body as well as the mind. Strenuous tasks should not be undertaken before going to the bed. Sleeping on the floor is recommended for people who tend to falling off the bed. Locking the doors properly and placing an alarm or bell on the bedroom door can prevent a person from stepping out of the room. Sharp or dangerous objects that can cause injury should never be kept at home, especially in the bedroom.

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